The Lithuanian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Northrop Grumman to develop, manufacture and supply medium-caliber ammunition in the Baltic country.
A Northrop Grumman ammunition production project could bring significant U.S. investment to Lithuania, its Ministry of National Defence said in a statement Monday.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said partnering with companies from the country’s allies is a primer for the long-term development and modernization of Lithuania’s defense sector and a boost to national security. “This project … will create clear value for Lithuania and for our region as a whole, which in the face of security challenges has an interest in minimizing dependence on long supply chains,” she added.
Steve O’Bryan, Northrop Grumman’s corporate vice president and global business development officer, signed the MOU with Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasciunas and Minister of Finance Gintare Skaiste. “This collaboration will help grow Lithuania’s defense industrial capacity and is keeping with our company’s commitment to supporting U.S. and allied countries though industry partnerships across the globe,” he said.
Kasciunas sees the partnership with Northrop as “a significant milestone” for the Lithuanian defense industry. “By integrating advanced Northrop Grumman technologies, we are not only strengthening our national security but also paving the way for future innovations,” the defense minister said.
The MOU follows Kasciunas’ U.S. visit in May, during which he invited American defense firms to invest in his country. As part of his itinerary, he attended meetings with Northrop Grumman executives.